Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s compliance monitoring of dairy farms shows a marked increase in the level of full compliance.

Full compliance is up to 80% across the region, with the majority of the 20% non-compliance being of a technical nature rather than having a direct adverse environmental effect.

“HBRC staff have been consistently working with Fonterra, Dairy NZ staff and the farmers to improve education and monitoring performance. The focus is now on providing advice and support to dairy farms to get reliable systems in place to manage the reporting and ensure it is up to date,” said Iain Maxwell, Group Manager – Resource Management.

Fonterra Area Manager, Tony Haslett has welcomed the increase in compliance which he says is a direct result of farmers ensuring their systems are adequate and staff are well trained.

“It’s a positive trend and reflects well on our suppliers and it’s one we want to see continuing.”

As part of this initiative HBRC formed a Dairy Liaison Group that includes Fonterra, DairyNZ and local farmers. The Dairy Liaison Group is aiming for 100% compliance in Hawke’s Bay for the 2012/13 season.

“It’s pleasing to see such an improvement in monitoring results, and it’s a credit to the dairy farmers in the region as it’s clear they are taking their environmental responsibilities seriously,” said Cr Kevin Rose, Chairman of HBRC’s Environment and Services Committee.

“The Council’s policy of educating for environmental change, but also taking a firm hand in dealing with non-compliance as required, is clearly successful, and working with industry organisations such as Fonterra and Dairy NZ is productive way, and together we are continuing to aim for and achieve a high level of compliance.”